Meet the Staff

Meet the Staff

Mrs Williamson

Early Years Teacher & KS1 Leader

Hello, my name is Mrs Williamson and I’m the Reception teacher at Shadwell Primary School and the Foundation Stage Leader across the Federation. This means I oversee both Reception classes at Bramham and Shadwell Primary School, allowing lots of opportunity to collaborate and share good practice with one another.
Each week in Reception I plan an exciting and creative curriculum inspired by the children’s observations. It’s wonderful to watch a child’s idea or interest develop into a whole class project. Our outdoor area is always open, as I believe contact with the natural world offers the children unique experiences, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons. The outdoor environment offers space, which is particularly important to those children who learn best through active movement. Throughout the day I particularly enjoy delivering the daily phonics session. It’s wonderful to observe the children growing in confidence when independently reading and writing new words.
My goal as a teacher is to ensure every child achieves their full potential through resilience, determination and a passion to learn.

Mrs Zaki

Teaching Assistant - Reception

My name is Mrs Zaki. I am a teaching assistant in reception class.
I have worked with children for over 10 years in a variety of roles including Nursery Manager.
I thoroughly enjoy my position here at Shadwell working in a wonderful environment with a fantastic team.
The children never cease to amaze me with their enthusiasm and determination to learn new things. I am particularly interested in children’s creative development and enjoy creating exciting role play opportunities for children to explore and develop their imaginative play.

Miss Greenwood

Teaching Assistant

Hi, my name is Miss Greenwood and I am a Teaching Assistant in Reception. This is my third year working at Shadwell Primary and I can honestly say that I love my job. I have always worked closely alongside school having worked at Shadwell Childcare for 8 years.In that time I have seen children go from nursery, right up to year 6, growing into happy individuals.
I am excited for the year ahead to help the children reach their full learning potential making it as fun as can be.

Mrs Kennett

Early Years Teaching Assistant

I am Mrs Kennett and I am one of the reception class teaching assistants. I have enjoyed working at Shadwell for over 15 years often in the role of helping individual pupils. I have worked in all year groups over that period and in reception for the last 5 years. I enjoy sharing my passion for the outdoors and am in charge of the school allotments and nature areas. As a young child I had a teacher who inspired my love of nature and I hope to inspire others. As a school we grow crops each year, compost, plant various flowers and feed the birds. I often lead groups outside to investigate the natural environment and find bugs!
I studied at Reading University and followed by a 'PGCE’ at Roehampton, London, and I then worked in Leeds schools teaching and in support roles for many years. I am married, have 2 grown up children and live in the countryside.
I love working in school. It is a privilege to see young people grow and develop into happy, confident interested individuals.

Mrs Barrett

Year 1 Teacher

Hello! I am Mrs Barrett, the Year 1 class teacher. I am really excited about the year ahead and all the exciting new topics we will be learning about in Year 1, such as The Queen, Space and Pirates. Although the children will slowly be getting used to a more formal style of learning than they were used to in Reception, we will still be having lots of fun. I love teaching and the children never fail to impress me with their inquisitiveness, their determination and their sheer love of learning – characteristics I strive to nurture and develop in the classroom. To see the pride our children have when they have achieved something for the first time or learnt something new is a real privilege. Before I began teaching I was a university researcher, investigating agricultural development. I spent 12 months working in remote parts of Africa and often try to inject an international flavour into our lessons in Shadwell. The children throughout school will tell you about our multilingual registers!

Mrs Ibbetson

Teaching Assistant

Hi, I'm Mrs Ibbetson and I am in my fourth year working at Shadwell Primary School. I am currently working in Class One with Mrs Barrett as a TA and HLTA. In 2006, after 15 years of working in the offices of the NHS, I decided to make a career change. I attended college then university to gain NVQ and Foundation Degree qualifications in supporting teaching and learning in school. This was 13 years ago and I haven't looked back since. Working in Shadwell is fantastic, the whole school is like a family with great team work and support. Each child is unique, bringing their own qualities and personalities to the classroom inspiring me to ensure that I support, nurture and encourage them through their journey in school. I am really looking forward to our school trips, topic work, Science and ICT this year; I think that I get more excited than the children. I love my job!

Mrs Richards

Year 2 Teacher, SENDCo & KS1 Leader

My name is Mrs Richards and I teach Class 2 and lead KS1 for the federation alongside Mrs Pelc. Having spent 15 years in the classroom, teaching in years 1 – 6, I am very excited to again be working with the children in Year 2. We have some extremely exciting topics to inspire the children with this year, and I am very much looking forward to the KS1 performance seeing our children shine on stage!
Having completed my SEND qualification at Northampton University in 2011, I am delighted to return to the role of SENDCo at Shadwell this year.
Outside of school, I am mum to two gorgeous boys and love to spend time with my family. I also enjoy running, swimming and reading.

Mrs Pelc

Year 2 Teacher & KS1 Leader

Hello, my name is Mrs Pelc and I am the Class 2 teacher and Key Stage One leader across the federation, a role I share with Mrs Richards. Having completed a degree in Law and Criminology I decided to pursue a career in teaching and completed a PGCE in primary education. I have been teaching for 9 years and have lots of experience across the whole primary age range having worked in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. This year I have returned to Key Stage 1 and am excited to teach new and exciting topics in a creative and fun way as I believe that children learn best when they are immersed in an enjoyable and stimulating environment. I am also responsible for leading DT throughout the Federation, in this role I work as part of the SITE team to ensure that children create meaningful projects for a real purpose, drawing not only on their DT skills but incorporating Science and ICT skills too.

Mr Hunt

Teaching Assistant

Hi, my name is Mr Hunt. I'm delighted to be working alongside the students and staff of Shadwell Primary School. My background encompasses a range of teaching experiences, from sports coaching to peripatetic music. For four years I have lived and worked in the West Midlands, but am happy to return to my home county of Yorkshire! In my spare time I enjoy playing the drums, going to gigs and walking in the country. I love passing knowledge onto the next generation and seeing them develop personally as well as academically.

Miss Eales

Year 3 Teacher

My name is Miss Eales and I’ve been teaching for over 20 years throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, taking on various responsibilities and supporting my previous school as part of the senior leadership team. I spent 5 years of my career in Verona, Italy, working in an international school and still love to go back and visit when I can.
Out of school, I am mum to two girls and at the weekends can often be found running to keep up with bikes or scooters. If I find any free time, I also love singing, and perform with an ensemble. This spills over into school where I lead an ever growing choir. We sing a wide variety of music from pop tunes to African hymns and we love to perform both in school and out.
I am really pleased to be back in Class 3 at Shadwell where we’ve got some exciting topics planned this year including one of my favourites, The Egyptians. Class 3 is always an exciting year to teach as we get to grips with all things ‘Key Stage Two’ and begin to delve deeper into the curriculum. The children never fail to me with their enthusiasm for learning and the determination to be the best that they can be. I love teaching; no two days are ever the same.

Mrs Senior

Teaching Assistant

Hi! I'm Mrs Senior and I'm a Teaching Assistant in Year 2 and year 3, and I also work as a HLTA in KS1. I have worked with children for many years but have always retained my passion for children's learning - I still get excited when a child has a 'light bulb moment.' Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and have a keen interest in the natural world. I am known as a bit of a 'nature nut' and I love to share my knowledge with the children. I love working with Class 2 as they make me smile every day!

Miss Ings

Year 4 Teacher

Hello! My name is Miss Ings and I teach Year 4. This is my 3rd year working at Shadwell in Year 4 and I have loved it. I have recently just taken over the role of French lead for the Federation. I feel privileged to be part of the children's learning journeys and watching them develop and change daily, through discovering new things about themselves and the world around them. My favourite subjects are English and History. Outside of school, I enjoy socialising and going to the gym. Usually in the holidays, I can be found travelling and exploring the world. I am very excited for the year ahead with new challenges and watching the children achieve their full potential and have fun whilst doing so!

Mrs Bourne

Teaching Assistant

Hello, my name is Mrs Bourne. I joined Shadwell Primary in 2017 as a Lunchtime Supervisor and volunteer in Class 1 whilst undertaking my Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools. I am now a Teaching Assistant in Class 4.
Prior to coming to Shadwell, I worked at the University of Leeds doing Clinical Trials Cancer Research. Having been there for 10 years I decided that a change of direction was in order, so I began to pursue my long-standing desire to work with children and to help support their learning and development. I have certainly not regretted this decision and I am thoroughly enjoying working with a brilliant bunch of children and being part of such a welcoming and supportive school.
Outside of school I can usually be found transporting my own children to various parties and activities; if I do get a moment to myself I love to read.

Miss Cammiss

Year 5 Teacher

Hello! My name is Miss Cammiss and this is my third year teaching Year 5 at Shadwell. Year 5 is a very inquisitive year group as they begin to get a better understanding of the world around them and their place in it and although I love teaching, I really enjoy learning new things every day with the questions that the children continue to ask. I lead speaking and listening across the federation and have a passion for debating but also believe that speaking and listening opportunities are a very important part of each and every lesson. I find it hard to pick a favourite subject as I love so many including science, English and RE. Outside of school, I am a very social individual with a huge family who I love to spend time with. I also enjoy reading, jogging and exploring new places on the weekend.

Mr Rugg

Year 6 Teacher & KS2 Leader

My name is Mr Rugg and I really enjoy working with the wonderful children and staff at Shadwell Primary. It is a privilege to work as a teacher, educating, nurturing and inspiring children and passing on skills and knowledge to them every day. I have been teaching for 8 years throughout Key Stage 2 and love teaching Year 6 with all of the exciting experiences it brings like the residential, production and preparation for high school. I am Key Stage 2 leader and I am also responsible for leading Maths throughout the Federation ensuring high quality lessons are delivered based on a mastery approach. Prior to teaching I worked in business and have a degree in Business Management alongside my teaching qualifications. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, cycling, music, playing the drums, reading and following Leeds United!

Miss Glover

Teaching Assistant

Hello. My name is Miss Glover and I am a Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Assistant at Shadwell Primary. I recently graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology. As I have always wanted to work with children, I am looking forward to encouraging and guiding Shadwell's young students to achieve their full potential. Outside of school, I love to travel, read and socialise.

Mrs Holder-Benjamin

Specialist Intervention

My name is Karen Holder-Benjamin. I am designated Specialist Intervention with the federation for the past four years in KS2

Mrs Whitaker

Teaching Assistant

I have worked for Shadwell Primary for 9 years in both Key Stages. Currently, I am in year 5 as a Teaching Assistant and I am lead Lunchtime Supervisor. I love working in school, supporting the children and watching them grow.
In my free time I enjoy running, cycling and spending time with my family.

Mrs Douglas

Teaching Assistant

My name is Fiona Douglas. I am a designated Teaching Assistant and carry out interventions across different class years. I also work in the School office providing Administrative support

Mrs Martin

Lunchtime Supervisor

Hello, my name is Miss Martin. I am a Lunchtime Supervisor. I work with all year groups to encourage a happy, fun and healthy lunchtime. It is a very rewarding job working with such wonderful children and supportive staff.

Mr Brotherton

Lead Teacher PE

I’m Mr Brotherton. I studied Sport at university before undertaking my PGCE and I’ve been teaching at the Federation since 2013; I first taught Year 4 at Shadwell for three years. This was a great part of my career as it meant I got to teach all the subjects we offer at the school. During this time I also began to set up sports teams for Shadwell which meant I got to work with a variety of children outside of the classroom. In 2016 I became a Lead Teacher of P.E. across the Federation. This role saw me step out of the classroom to teach P.E. to the majority of classes at both Bramham and Shadwell, to ensure they have the best opportunities to participate in P.E. and school sport; it’s fantastic! It’s also now my job to ensure that all children enjoy P.E. and are encouraged to lead healthy, active lifestyles. A large part of my current role is developing the sports teams at both Bramham and Shadwell, something which I truly enjoy! My most favourite achievement is being able to help all the children grow as individuals and as teams, working together to become successful and improve their resilience!

Mrs Richards

Executive Head Teacher

Mrs Richards has been the Executive Head Teacher of Bramham and Shadwell Primary Schools since September 2015 and has over twenty years' experience in teaching. Mrs Richards has spent the last four years, ensuring the provision and outcomes for children represent excellence within both settings.
Mrs Richards graduated in Newcastle with a BSc followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education; she worked for thirteen years in an urban Leeds Primary School, and was promoted to both Assistant Head Teacher and then to Deputy Head Teacher for the last seven years of her time there. Following the arrival of her daughter, Mrs Richards began a new post in The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) as Deputy Head Teacher, before accepting the post as Executive Head Teacher for our Federation.
Mrs Richards' philosophy for children runs through every vein of our schools; she is devoted to her position in ensuring every child meets their potential; in her commitment to families and in the Federation vision of Excellence for All.

Mrs Wilson

Executive Deputy Head Teacher & Federation Inclusion Manager

Mrs Hall

Executive Assistant Head Teacher

My name is Mrs Hall and I am an Executive Assistant Head for the Bramham Shadwell Federation, working across both schools. I am responsible for the pastoral care of all our pupils, something which is very important to me. I want every child at Bramham and Shadwell to feel safe, secure and happy at school! I lead some of our assemblies and also work with the School Council to listen to the views and suggestions from our pupils.
I teach at both our schools and aim to know all the children and their families – I am here to listen and to offer support wherever I can. I have a wide range of experience, having worked as a teacher and a senior leader in a number of schools across both the state and independent sectors. I firmly believe that teaching is the best job in the world and love building relationships with pupils and being part of their learning journey.

Mrs Kirby

Executive Assistant Head Teacher

My name is Mrs Kirby and I work as Executive Assistant Head Teacher at Bramham Shadwell Federation.
After completing a PGCE in Primary Teaching, I have now worked in teaching for over 15 years. Prior to this, I worked in a range of companies in the private sector. I also spent a lot of time travelling and was lucky enough to work in Australia and live in Italy. My love of travelling continues to this day!
In my role as Executive Assistant Head Teacher, I am fortunate enough to be responsible for developing all the non-core curriculum areas taught, which is a real honour since I have a wide variety of interests myself which I am truly passionate about. I have a special interest in Geography as I have a degree in this subject and I also enjoy learning and teaching Modern Foreign Languages. It is a real pleasure to be part of creating such an exciting and engaging curriculum for our children at the Federation. In addition, I also provide support, guidance and direction to newly-qualified teachers to ensure that they are confident to teach and plan quality provision for our children.
In my role, I also ensure that Bramham school runs smoothly each day. I lead whole school assemblies and run regular School Council meetings. Children have lots of amazing ideas on how to improve our environment and how to raise money to achieve their aims.
I really enjoy my job at the Federation since every day is different at school and there are always lots of fun and exciting activities happening. The children are all wonderful to be around and are such a joy to know. The school truly does feel like one big happy family and I am very fortunate to be part of this.

Mrs Humphreys

Federated Business Manager

My name is Mrs Humphreys, I am the Business Manager for the Federation. I have worked for the Federation for 5 years and have loved every minute of it.
I have a very varied role. I am responsible for the budget, the site, Health and Safety, the lovely Admin and site staff and also I am a Designated Lead for child protection. My job covers just about anything you can think of and perhaps some you’d rather not!
I love to read, travel, cook, live music and I walk as much as I can.